Hike the Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve

Special to the Trail-Gazette

Posted:
11/16/2010 08:03:01 PM MST

Ashley Davis enjoys the view from the Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve.

L ocated just west of the town of Boulder, at the junction of Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon, is a 773-acre open space that offers hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking and horseback riding.

The Betasso Preserve was protected in 1975 by Boulder County Parks and Open Space and showcases the Canyon Loop Trail, a 3.2 mile round trip multi-use trail that leads through a lovely ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest, crosses seasonal streams and meanders through scenic meadows.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Signs indicate the direction mountain bikers are allowed to travel, and periodically the Parks Department switches the direction for bikes. Bicyclists are not permitted on the trails on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so those are advantageous days for hikers to have the trail practically to themselves. Along the trail, cabin ruins and rusting farm machinery tell the tale of the landscape`s ranching history.

The low elevation of this loop trail makes it an attractive alternative to hiking near Estes Park when the higher elevations are snowbound.

History

160 acres of what is now the Betasso Preserve was homesteaded by the Blanchard family In 1912. Then, in 1915, the ranch was purchased by Steve Betasso, who was a hard-rock miner working in Fourmile Canyon. With the profit from the gold and tungsten mining, Steve and his sons, Dick and Ernie, expanded the ranch and raised cattle.

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In the 1870s, prior to the ranching efforts of the Blanchard and Betasso families, the neighboring town of Orodell supported nearby mining operations and sawmills. The small town had a general store, a post office and a school. Every day, five stage coaches ran from Boulder to Nederland, passing through the town of Orodell. Fire destroyed the town in 1883, and later, in 1894, a flood swept the sawmill and other mining establishments away. The town was never rebuilt.

The trailhead

From the junction of Canyon Boulevard and 28th Street (US 36) in the city of Boulder, drive west on Canyon Boulevard ( CO 119) for six miles to Sugarloaf Road. Turn right (north) and drive for 0.9 mile to Betasso Road. Turn right (east) and follow the signs to the East Trailhead at Betasso Preserve.

The hike

The Canyon Loop Trail can be hiked in either direction, but the general recommendation is to hike the opposite way that mountain bikes are allowed to go. Directional signs indicate the permitted trend for all bicycles. The trail descends through the pretty pine and fir forest and crosses a seasonal stream. The trail then climbs and undulates through the forest before traversing grassy meadows, and then returns to the forest. Pay attention to the signs at trail junctions and keep an eye out for cabin ruins and old farm implements.

Lisa is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Rocky Mountain National Park, The Complete Hiking Guide, available at stores throughout Estes Park, and on the internet at Amazon.com. Contact her at lisahikes@hotmail.com.